Upcoming Races in 2025

Greenville Track Club Run Downtown 5K

The Run Downtown 5K kicks off Greenville's racing season with a fast, flat course through the heart of downtown. Starting and finishing on Main Street, this race showcases why January in South Carolina offers ideal racing conditions. The course features long straightaways perfect for finding your rhythm, with the only notable hill being a gentle rise on Washington Street.

Insider tip: Position yourself near the front if targeting a PR. The start on Main Street narrows quickly, and the first turn comes at just 400 meters. Post-race activities center around NOMA Square, where local vendors provide hot coffee and breakfast options—a tradition that makes this race a community favorite despite the early January date.

Lovers Lane 5K

This Valentine's evening race has grown from a small gathering to one of Greenville's most entertaining events. The course loops through Cleveland Park and along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, with aid stations serving conversation hearts and chocolate. While not the fastest course due to evening start time and potential for costumes, it's unbeatable for atmosphere.

Greenville Half Marathon & 5K

February's premier event attracts runners from across the Southeast seeking fast times in cool conditions. The half marathon course has undergone revisions to eliminate the previous hill at mile 10, resulting in a more even effort throughout. The route showcases Greenville's diverse neighborhoods, from historic North Main to Furman's scenic campus.

The 5K runs concurrently, following an out-and-back on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This separation prevents congestion and allows both races to maintain their distinct characters. Aid stations appear every 1.5 miles on the half marathon course, staffed by enthusiastic local school groups competing for the "best aid station" award.

Pi Run (3.14 miles)

This quirky distance attracts math enthusiasts and runners seeking something different. The course makes creative use of Unity Park's trails to achieve exactly 3.14 miles. Local bakeries donate pies for post-race refreshments, and awards go to the top 3.14% of finishers. The evening start time and festive atmosphere make this perfect for runners wanting a low-pressure early season race.

Paris Mountain Trail Races (16K & 7K)

The Greenville Track Club's trail series begins with this challenging event. The 16K route climbs to the summit via Brissy Ridge before descending technical singletrack. Expect 1,200 feet of elevation gain and terrain requiring trail running experience. The 7K offers a more accessible introduction to trail racing while still providing genuine mountain running.

Registration typically opens in December and sells out by early February. The intimate field size (limited to 200 for safety) creates a supportive atmosphere where experienced trail runners mentor newcomers. Post-race festivities at the Lake Placid shelter include awards and stories of mountain adventures.

Bunny Hop 5K and Easter Egg Hunt Run

This family-oriented event combines competitive racing with Easter festivities. The 5K course winds through the Pavilion complex on a mix of paved paths and crushed gravel. While the multiple surface changes prevent blazing fast times, the enthusiastic spectators and costumed runners create unmatched energy.

United Community Reedy River Run 10K & 5K

Greenville's premier 10K showcases the Reedy River's beauty while delivering a properly challenging course. Starting at Falls Park, runners head north on the Swamp Rabbit Trail before turning onto residential streets that test your hill-climbing ability. The return along the river provides psychological relief as you push toward the scenic finish.

The concurrent 5K follows an out-and-back on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, offering a fast alternative for those not ready for the 10K's hills. Both races attract competitive fields, with prize money drawing regional elites. Arrive early for parking, as the Falls Park location and perfect spring weather create crowds.

Paris Mountain Trail 12K

The second race in GTC's trail series features more runnable terrain than March's mountain assault. The 12K distance hits the sweet spot for trail racing—long enough to be challenging but short enough to race hard. May weather adds humidity to the challenge, making the shaded forest trails especially appealing.

Sunrise Run 8K

The early start time acknowledges South Carolina summer reality. This well-organized race through Simpsonville's shaded neighborhoods has become a June tradition. The 8K distance offers something different while the rolling course keeps you engaged. Post-race breakfast and awards happen before temperatures become oppressive.

Red, White & Blue Shoes 5K

This Independence Day tradition draws over 2,000 runners to Furman's campus. The flat, fast course circles the university grounds, with enthusiastic spectators lining the route despite the early hour. Patriotic costumes abound, though serious runners still chase PRs on this certified course.

Registration opens in March and increases in price as July approaches. The race serves as many runners' speed gauge mid-way through summer training. Post-race festivities include awards, vendor booths, and enough time to make it to your afternoon barbecue.

Paris Mountain Trail 7K

August's trail race tests mental toughness as much as physical fitness. The shorter distance acknowledges summer's brutal conditions while still providing genuine trail running. Smart runners pre-hydrate extensively and accept that times will be slower than spring races.

Edouard Michelin Memorial 5K

This corporate-sponsored race opens Michelin's typically restricted campus to the running community. The pancake-flat course on wide private roads offers PR potential if you can handle August heat. The event emphasizes community service, with proceeds supporting local charities.

BMW Performance Classic 2-Miler

This unique evening race lets runners experience BMW's professional driving course on foot. The 2-mile distance encourages all-out racing on the banked turns and straightaways where cars typically reach triple-digit speeds. The novelty factor and limited field size make this a must-do race.

GE Cross Country 6K

This throwback to cross country running attracts those who miss their high school and college racing days. The course features grass, dirt, small hills, and even a hay bale obstacle. October weather typically delivers perfect conditions for rediscovering your cross country speed.

Spinx Run Fest

The Spinx Run Fest represents Greenville running at its finest. The marathon's reputation as a Boston qualifier attracts serious runners from across the Southeast, while shorter distances ensure everyone can participate. The point-to-point marathon starts in Travelers Rest and follows a net downhill course to downtown Greenville.

Marathon strategy: The first 13 miles trend downhill on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, but don't get carried away. Miles 14-20 include rolling hills through neighborhoods that humble runners who started too fast. The final 10K returns to the trail for a glorious downtown finish on Main Street.

The concurrent half marathon sells out earliest, typically by August. The 10K and 5K start downtown and offer competitive fields without the marathon's training commitment. Post-race festivities on Main Street create an electric atmosphere that celebrates every finisher equally.

Paris Mountain Trail 16K

The trail series concludes with a return to the challenging 16K distance. November's cooler temperatures and fall foliage create ideal conditions for tackling the technical terrain. Runners who completed all four trail races receive special recognition at the post-race ceremony.

Rivalry Run 5K

Thanksgiving weekend's Rivalry Run celebrates South Carolina's biggest sports rivalry. Runners declare their allegiance during registration, with team scoring determining bragging rights. The downtown course encourages fast times while team spirit creates exceptional atmosphere. Orange and garnet dominate the color scheme.

Tacky Sweater 5K

The racing year concludes with this festive event that prioritizes fun over fast times. Runners sport the ugliest holiday sweaters they can find, with prizes for creativity rivaling those for speed. The Unity Park course allows for multiple viewing points, creating a party atmosphere throughout the race.

Many running groups use this as their holiday party, registering together and celebrating afterward. December weather can vary dramatically—some years require only the tacky sweater, while others demand layers underneath. Hot chocolate and holiday cookies at the finish complete the seasonal theme.